Gili Trawangan, Bikes Allowed! Motorcycle, No!

Idbackpacker.com (Indonesia Backpacker) –  Gili Trawangan is one of unique small island in Lombok, Indonesia. You can never found any motorcycle in this island.

Nothing is more fun when you come across an island with all the civilizations in it (internet, tv, electricity), but no motorized vehicles at all in it. Machine powered vehicle is absolutely forbidden! Can you imagine how fresh are the air on the island? And How calm the atmosphere is? But we still able to surf the internet, open social media, and do internet work. Well, i am a programmer and blogger, internet is absolutely important for me :)

Lucky Indonesia has an island like Gili Trawangan, and this island has everything that I’ve been described above. Gili Trawangan island is one of three series of small islands located northern of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The island has now become a favorite travel destination. Starting from flashpacker, backpacker, and some technofreak like me. Haha, don’t be surprised if I categorize technofreak as traveler :)

For the nature junkie, Gili Trawangan could be very interesting. Water activity, Trekking, Jogging, Cycling can all be done in one place. But for me, the most interesting activity in this island is cycling around, and enjoy the calm atmosphere of it. Especially With no motorized vehicles is allowed on Gili Trawangan, it means more oxygen instead of carbon dioxide. It’s going to be different when you are cycling in the city, that already full of hustle!

Cidomo, common public transportation inside Gili Trawangan

Bikes are easily found here, almost every home stay in Gili Trawangan rent it. So, no need to bother bringing your own bikes, although bringing your own bike is possible. Bikes in Gili Trawangan are rented out in pretty good condition and the rent price is not too expensive. In Gili Trawangan, i got a nice bike to be rented. It is only 30.000 rupiahs ($4) per day, and the normal rent price is around Rp 30.000 – 40.000 ($4-$5). Just use your bargain skills if you want to get a cheaper price.

Cycling in gili Trawangan are feel so different, more than just ordinary cycling. Why? It’s because of the scenery and atmosphere, what else? Located between two most beautiful Indonesian island, Bali and Lombok. You are automatically can enjoy two beautiful scenery on both sides of the island. On the east side of the island you can see mount Rinjani stand beautifully in Lombok, and on the west side you can enjoy Bali’s view with Mount Agung as the highest point. Bali is known as the world’s most beautiful beaches, during the holiday season hotels in Bali  can be very expensive.  Gili Trawangan is a good alternative for a white sand beach vacation.

Gili Trawangan’s cycling route is in outer side of the island, or always ride near the shore. Some of the route are paved already, while most of it still sandy. I had a chance to ride around in the morning starting from the main Gili Trawangan beach, take the left rout, or heading west. You know, It was really fun. And Going around the island sized 3 km long and 2 km wide, doesn’t require much time. I finished going around in less than one hour.

Although it only need less than 1 hour to around the island, it still makes you tired. Most of it’s route are sandy, surely needs a little extra energy to ride a bike here. Even at some point I was forced to get off the bicycle. It’s going to be more tiring if you keep pedaling over the sand. Cycling around the island was really fun experience, but, next time visiting Gili Trawangan I will try jogging, rather than cycling again. Are you interest visiting this island?

Mount Agung view on the west side

Mount Rinjani view on the east side

Happy Adventure, Traveler!!
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